With a weakened Conservative leader and Labour still split, Westminster is teeming with political animals hatching plans — whether to overthrow their party leader or to launch a troublesome amendment.

Here’s an insiders’ guide to where to plot around Westminster and beyond.

1. CYBER SCHEMING

It is not just teenagers and terrorists plotting on encrypted messaging service WhatsApp. The app is now the favored method of communication among MPs — from ministers to backbenchers of all political hues.

"WhatsApp has changed the game quite a lot,” said one government official who was close to the Tories' 2016 leadership campaign that Theresa May won. “There are lots of groups with different individuals. There is a lot of mischief made on those."

A WhatsApp group for the Brexit-backing European Research Group (ERG) — previously led by Steve Baker before he became a minister in the Brexit department — gained notoriety following last year's EU referendum. It included the highest profile Brexiteers of the referendum: Dominic Raab, Iain Duncan Smith, Michael Gove, Bernard Jenkin. Suella Fernandes now leads the ERG group, and held a drinks reception for members and journalists on Tuesday.

Other groups exist for the 2015 intake, Conservative women, parliamentary private secretaries and special advisers.

"We drink in Westminster, we plot in the cloud," said Gawain Towler, the long-serving UKIP spokesperson.

Sophistication: 5/5. If it's good enough for cabinet ministers.

Privacy rating: 4/5. Depends on whether the group contains friends or foes.

2. WINING AND DINING

The key to hatching a plot is discretion.

"People meet at the home of the potential leader or his chief lieutenants because a very large proportion of MPs own or rent property here in central London," said one veteran MP.

Kennington, Islington and Fulham are popular living spots for longer-serving MPs who had their mortgages paid by the taxpayer before the 2008 expenses scandal. The Park Plaza, in the old County Hall overlooking Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, is the weekday home of a number of MPs.

The government official familiar with the last Tory leadership contest said: "There are a lot of dinners and people do have drinks — that sort of stuff."

Political donors also hold dinners where plots can be hatched.

Sophistication: Depends on the host.

Privacy rating: 5/5

3. GRAND PLANS

One London property May could do well to watch is Carlton Gardens. The Grade I listed building just off The Mall comes with the job for Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

He used his former London home in Islington for plotting purposes before last year's EU referendum. Environment Secretary Michael Gove, another leading Brexit campaigner, was photographed arriving at Johnson's house after former Prime Minister David Cameron announced the outcome of his renegotiation with Brussels and just before Gove declared he would back the Leave campaign in the U.K.’s Brexit referendum.

Sophistication: 5/5

Privacy rating: 3/5. Watch out for paparazzi.

4. OFFICE POLITICS

Westminster offices away from prying eyes are also popular spots for scheming.

There are various grades of accommodation and party whips, tasked with maintaining discipline among backbench MPs, allocate offices depending on an MP’s seniority and length of service.

In the ancient Palace of Westminster, offices can be poky and mouse-infested. But they do have the benefit of being part of a rabbit warren with multiple corridors and back routes. Portcullis House, situated above Westminster station and accessed through a tunnel under the road from the Houses of Parliament, is newer, much more spacious, but also much more public — with its glass corridors and vast open atrium.

MPs should avoid offices physically linked to other MPs, more common in the new Portcullis House, one former minister said.

The ERG group, which once met in former MP Peter Lilley's office, now meets in former cabinet minister Owen Paterson's large office. European Union wines are shunned in favor of "new world" beverages from Australia and New Zealand, according to one attendee.

Sophistication: 2/5

Privacy: 3/5

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson waits to greet U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, outside Carlton Gardens on May 26, 2017 in London | Pool photo by Adrian Dennis/Getty Images

5. WOOING STRANGERS

A pretty idyllic spot, the MPs' terrace overlooks the River Thames and landmarks including the London Eye. It has been standing room only on the terrace of late as MPs soak up balmy summer evenings. Boris Johnson’s appearance last week prompted a flurry of speculation.

You and your guests should grab a drink from Strangers' Bar — so named because visitors to the House of Commons were referred to as "strangers."

The bar and terrace are the places for subtle wooing of key caucuses, where MPs build support by courting influential figures in significant groups, according to one Tory MP.

For example, in the Tory Party, Tom Tugendhat and Johnny Mercer are seen as key figures to win over for the ex-military vote, the ERG group is an important constituency for Brexiteers, while the old pro-Remainers need convincing at the other end of the party.

Those working for a leadership candidate will also canvass MPs in geographical clusters. New Scottish MPs will be a carefully cultivated group, according to the Tory MP.

Sophistication: 4/5 on the Terrace; 2/5 in Strangers' Bar.

Privacy: 1/5

6. IN PLAIN SIGHT

Non-drinkers who shun the bars are likely to have their ears bent in the voting lobbies, or in corridors around the House of Commons chamber.

There are two comfortable chairs just outside the door to the library where those hatching a plan can rest their legs.

The very public Portcullis House atrium is also a good place to stop a colleague for a chat. There is nowhere to hide, though — even behind a trunk of the (£20,000 per year) real trees in the center of this large open space.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 1/5

7. THREE PLOTTERS, ONE MANSION

If only the walls of Chevening could talk. Theresa May declared that the 115-room mansion — usually just offered to the foreign secretary — would be shared equally between Johnson, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Liam Fox, the trade secretary.

All have had party leadership aspirations in the past and are names being weighed up by Tory backbenchers.

The surrounding area affords many opportunities for a scenic moment of Machiavellianism. A short walk from the mansion (across a footbridge over the M25 motorway) is the Bricklayers’ Arms pub, where Johnson was photographed in mid-June after the 2017 election with Defense Secretary Michael Fallon, chatting on a bench overlooking the River Darent.

Sophistication: 5/5

Privacy: 4/5

8. NOT SO SECRET

One of the most successful plotters of recent times has been Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn — though his canvassing was not very covert.

Clive Lewis, one of his original campaign team, said the group used the Westminster Hall "W" rooms during the leadership race in 2015, believed to have been used by the long established hard-left Socialist Campaign Group through the years. "W" is just the name of the rooms.

"We had nothing to hide as our intention was nothing more than standing a candidate in an open leadership election," said Lewis. "Clearly for some Tories at present looking for a stalking horse candidate, discretion is everything," he added.

Sophistication: 2/5

Privacy: 3/5

9. HANG WITH THE WORKERS

The Sport and Social bar ("sport and socialist" to some Tories) is a favorite among parliamentary researchers and the Scottish National Party. Researchers see first-hand what their MPs are up to and come here to gossip among themselves. Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell also likes drinking Guinness among the workers in here. The phone reception is terrible though.

Sophistication: 1/5

Privacy: 2/5

10. HIDE FROM JOURNALISTS

Westminster’s Smoking Room is for MPs only after 6 p.m., taking plotters away from prying eyes of journalists. There is still a risk of being spotted by other gossip-prone MPs though.

Also exclusive for MPs and their guests, The Pugin Room — named after the Palace of Westminster interior designer Augustus Welby Pugin — has a stunning view over the Thames.

MPs can discuss their next rebellion under the large gilt brass and crystal chandelier which once hung in the Great Dining Room at Alton Towers in Staffordshire.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 2/5

11. BE SEEN

More like a goldfish bowl, The Adjournment restaurant sits at the end of the Portcullis House atrium. It is the best place to prove you are actually really good friends with the minister you are rumored to have fallen out with. After the bruising referendum campaign, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom — on opposite sides of the debate — had a very public reconciliation lunch here.

It is a convenient lunch venue, but not a place to tell a journalist or a colleague secrets that could be linked to you the following day.

Alternatively, try Quirinale Restaurant, tucked away in a basement on Great Peter Street. Theresa May lunched here with Liam Fox to make sure their alliance was known, according to one ally of former Chancellor George Osborne.

Sophistication: 3/5

Privacy: 1/5

The Tate Britain, on Millbank, is a popular spot for meet-ups, even if it's inconvenient for votes | Oli Scarff/Getty Images

12. ART ATTACK

Not all MPs staking out London's art galleries are soaking up the culture. The National Portrait Gallery, a short walk from the Houses of Parliament up Whitehall, is a favored spot for a discreet lunch.

A plotting venue with a great view, you are almost at eye level with Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and can look down Whitehall toward the Houses of Parliament.

"The trouble is that many of these eateries are used by [journalists], and therefore to round up the usual suspects is a problem," said a veteran Tory MP.

Another popular cultural meeting spot is the Rex Whistler Restaurant at Tate Britain on Millbank. The dining room is fairly open-plan, so there is always a risk you might be seen.

It is also not a venue to frequent during a major vote — it is too far to make it back during the key eight-minute period after a vote is called. With the government’s position in parliament so thin, it is unwise to be out dining and risk missing a division — particularly if your lunch partner is mysteriously absent too.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 3/5

13. SHEPHERD'S

Shepherd's has long been a favorite hang out for Westminster politicians and journalists.

Owner Lionel Zetter said his private dining rooms have been in demand of late and some "unusual pairings" glimpsed.

"The political animals are not hard to spot,” he said. “When the division bell goes off [calling MPs back for a vote], they automatically look at the TV screen and check their mobiles to see whether they need to abandon their food and drink."

“Archer’s Corner” — named after the novelist and Tory politician Jeffrey Archer — commands a view of the whole restaurant, and is booked by political observers, according to Zetter. The "confessional” booth, tucked away out of sight, is reserved most lunchtimes and evenings by those "who simply cannot afford to be overheard."

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 4/5

14. PARK LIFE

St James' Park is a renowned favorite of British spies. The restaurant at its heart is a popular lunch spot for government officials, conveniently the closest eatery to No. 10 and just a few steps from Downing Street’s back exit. Former No. 10 Director of Communication Craig Oliver is known to staff by name.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 3/5

St. James' Park is home to Inn the Park, a popular lunchtime spot that's conveniently close to No. 10 | Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images

15. LION STILL ROARS

The Red Lion pub is more a popular spot for political tourists than real politicos these days. It has a restaurant upstairs and the pies are excellent.

But that is not to say it is not in use. Located on Whitehall, it is still a convenient hangout for government advisers.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 1/5

16. DRINKING ON PAVEMENTS

A stone’s throw from Conservative Campaign Headquarters, the Two Chairmen is usually awash with Tories. This is also the pub used by the Treasury civil service to plot the budget.

It is not so much the interior which is the draw. On a balmy summer evening, you can stand on the pavement and bask in the evening sun. Beware of the cycle tours which use the side alleyway as a cut through for more tranquil London streets.

Sophistication: 3/5

Privacy: 1/5

17. KIPPERS

The Westminster Arms, once the favored drinking spot of Tories, became a popular U.K. Independence Party hangout. UKIP's Westminster demise — from one MP to zero — may mean the pendulum will swing back. Tory special advisers sometimes use the pub for their regular Thursday night drink.

UKIPers have relocated to the “MOG” — not to be confused with Tory caricature Jacob Rees Mogg, a name touted as the Tory antidote to Corbyn.

UKIP spokesperson Towler says he is at the Marquis of Granby once a week these days.

"When there is a meeting in London the MOG is the place to go [for UKIP figures]," said Towler.

Sophistication: 2/5

Privacy: 2/5

The Red Lion pub on Whitehall is more popular with tourists these days, but you can still find government advisers there | Jack Taylor/Getty Images

18. CLUBLAND

The Carlton Club, founded by Tory peers and MPs in 1832 to improve the organization of the party, remains a Tory hangout on the well-heeled St James' Street, a short walk across St James' Park.

The chair of the influential backbench 1922 committee of Tory MPs, Graham Brady, has honorary membership.

Trade Secretary Liam Fox, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Patrick McLoughlin, a cabinet office minister, Mark Field, a minister in the Foreign Office, and the prime minister have all been gifted membership, according to the most recent register of MPs' interests.

Women were only allowed in in 2008, 176 years after the club was founded (although former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was given honorary membership in 1975.)

Another possibility — still only for men — is White's. Notoriously discreet, but so restricted is the access, your fellow plotters may be limited.

Sophistication: 5/5

Privacy: 4/5

19. THE CINNAMON CLUB

A posh Indian restaurant. The book-lined former Victorian library is the dining room and there is a cocktail bar downstairs. Given you are likely to bump into cabinet ministers being lunched by journalists at almost every other table, this is an ill-advised place to plot.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 2/5

20. ROUX AT PARLIAMENT SQUARE

One of the most expensive restaurants in the vicinity of Westminster. It is outside the House of Commons cordon but near enough to get back to vote. Think fine dining. But preferable if your fellow plotters pick up the tab.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 2/5

21. OSTERIA DELL'ANGOLO

The smart Italian restaurant Osteria Dell'Angolo in Marsham Street is a popular venue for ministers and advisers in outlying departments like the Home Office and Transport. It is the kind of place where they use a silver table crumber.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 2/5

The Goring Hotel, close to the Telegraph newsroom, is an unlikely power lunch destination | Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

22. GORING SNORING

A bit further away from Westminster, the old-fashioned Goring Hotel is not an obvious venue for a power lunch.

Watch out for Telegraph executives, whose newsroom is nearby, doing a little plotting of their own.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 3/5

23. FISHY BUSINESS

Serious plotters head to Soho. For fish and oysters away from Westminster’s prying eyes, J. Sheekey is a chosen location for some. James Chapman, who was former Chancellor George Osborne's head of communications and then Brexit Secretary David Davis' special adviser, had a booth here.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 4/5

24. PROFESSIONAL PLOTTERS

The swanky St Ermin's Hotel was used as MI6 headquarters during World War II, but is now a stomping ground for MPs. Once a popular hangout for Blairites, it was the chosen venue for Johnson's aborted leadership launch last summer. Participants of the New York Times “Brexit” tour of London will stay in the hotel.

Sophistication: 4/5

Privacy: 2/5

25. LATE-NIGHT LIAISONS

If you ever make it to late-night piano bar Players, it is likely you won’t be in a fit state to plot or remember who you have plotted with. Mainly a hangout for researchers and particularly boozy backbench MPs — and sometimes journalists too.

Vishnou

Interesting: passing this on to a Scottish friend of mine living in England and definitely on the Remain side for having enjoyed 16 years in Brussels before being sent back home for restructuring purposes after an joint venture with a US mega company.